Persons who read information about a hypothetical influenza strain with scientific (H11N3 influenza) or exotic-sounding (Yarraman flu) name reported higher worry and vaccination intentions than did those who read about strains named after an animal reservoir (horse flu). These findings suggest that terms used for influenza in public communications can influence reactions.
Keywords: Influenza; animal reservoir; behavior; hemagglutinin; intentions; neuraminidase; strain; surface proteins; worry.